Niear Cia greeted the man and followed him quietly. Soon, they arrived at the Light Flower Faction's outer gate.
"Go to the members hall. They'll give you your Dimen Association robe. If you ever need help, you can also find me there."
The Light Flower Faction's outer helper explained, then disappeared into the distance.
Niear Cia nodded and, as instructed, went straight to the members hall.
There, he claimed everything provided by the Dimen Association — Dimen Association uniform, a small house, several Dimen Stones, and a signature artifact.
His house wasn't as luxurious as those given to the fourth or fifth-round winners, but his popularity far surpassed many of them.
---
A few days later, Niear Cia was browsing through some books in the Light Flower Faction's members hall when someone suddenly called out to him.
"Brother, you're here too?"
Niear Cia turned, he was surprised by the sudden call. Standing there was a young man in a long white and red robe — the official uniform of the Red Flower Dimen Association. His hair was long, and his build was lean but strong.
Niear Cia blinked in surprise.
"He's… Josim?" he thought, dazed for a moment.
"It's good to stay close with him. He placed 60th in the test. His reputation is far higher than mine."
"When did you get here" Niear Cia asked with a faint smile.
"Hahaha, just a moment ago. But why were you so shocked to see me?" Josim Han laughed heartily, his grin even wider than Niear Cia's.
"When, where, how— I wasn't shocked at all after seeing you," Niear Cia replied awkwardly, scratching his cheek.
Josim chuckled. "By the way, what artifact did you choose?"
"Ohh just a light gem artifact," Niear Cia replied. "Its frequency is 120 Hz. What about you?"
"Nice choice. I chose a Dimen Magnitude artifact," Josim said proudly.
---
After chatting for a while, they both left the members hall together. Their residents were located in the same area under the Dimen Association, so they decided to head home side by side.
But as they walked, Josim suddenly suggested, "Bro, before we go home, let's stop by the Light Flower Garden."
"Are you sure?" Niear Cia frowned slightly. "There are lots of internal members there. We could get in trouble."
Josim laughed. 'Don't worry about it."
After a bit of convincing, Niear Cia reluctantly agreed.
When they arrived, the entire garden was glowing in the evening sunlight, petals dancing in the breeze.
"Is there a celebration today?" Niear Cia asked, looking around.
"Yeah," Josim replied. "It's Light Flower Faction's third senior's celebration — she just advanced to the Fourth Dimension."
Niear Cia raised a brow. "Then why you bring me here? To just… watch a party, where we weren't invited to?"
Josim grinned. "No, brother. She invited the whole faction."
Niear Cia's expression darkened slightly.
"Why would I go to someone's party I don't even know?" he thought irritably.
"Alright, brother, go ahead," he said aloud. "I'm not attending this party."
Suspicion began to rise in Niear Cia's heart — Josim's behavior felt a little too pushy.
"Please, brother," Josim begged. "If you don't come, I'll be all alone there!"
He looked so desperate that Niear Cia sighed and finally gave in.
"Fine, I'll go, and help you" he said without greed. "Only because of friendship."
Inside, though, he couldn't hide his greed — and maybe a bit of excitement about the reward Josim had promised.
"Then let's go! And thank you, brother!" Josim said happily.
---
The party was beautiful. Lights glimmered around the garden, tables were set with luxurious dishes, and a magnificent stage stood at the center.
Niear Cia and Josim found seats among the crowd, quietly enjoying the atmosphere.
"I'm actually glad I came," Niear Cia admitted, smiling slightly. "These dishes are incredible — and free."
He leaned closer. "So, what do you want me to do exactly?"
Josim Han waved his hand. "Wait a bit. I'll tell you soon."
But the 'soon' not coming, time passed. As a one hour… then two. And finally, Josim leaned toward him with a grin.
"Brother, the time has come."
Niear Cia frowned slightly. "What time?"
Josim Han whispered, "Behind the stage, there's a young woman in a blue dress. Go meet her — she'll recognize you and give you a letter. Just deliver that letter to me afterward. That's all you need to do."
Niear Cia stared at him suspiciously. 'Why don't you go yourself?"
Josim Han hesitated. "I… have some reasons, that I couldn't tell you."
"Reasons, huh…?" Niear Cia thought. "Is she his lover? Then why he send me — a handsome man like me?... No I think... she likes me? That's why Josim Han send me."
Josim Han smiled awkwardly. "Sorry, brother, but I trust you. Please."
Niear Cia sighed. "Alright. I'll do it."
He stood up and made his way toward the back of the stage.
Behind the curtain, under the soft glow of evening lights, stood a beautiful young lady wearing a light-blue dress…